Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly says the decision to give younger players opportunities in the opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers was intended to expose them to the demands of playing in Africa.
Koulibaly reflected on Senegal’s first matches under new coach Patrick Vieira, explaining that the decision to use younger members of the squad was discussed with the team’s senior players.
Vieira’s Senegal side began their qualifying campaign with a match against Mozambique before travelling to Ethiopia for their second fixture.
The two games provided the younger players with an opportunity to experience conditions that can be difficult for visiting teams on the continent.
“We decided to play the youngsters in the first two matches. It’s important that they see for themselves how difficult it is to play in Africa,” explained the Senegalese defender.
Koulibaly believes that simply warning young players about the challenges they may face is not always enough. He said experiencing those circumstances directly is important if they are to fully understand what is required.
“It’s easy to explain things to them, to give them advice, to warn them. But when you don’t really feel the danger, it’s difficult to instill it in you,” he continued.
The trip to Ethiopia was particularly demanding for Senegal, with more than 60,000 spectators attending the match and the playing surface presenting another challenge.
For Koulibaly, such experiences are part of the learning process for younger players who are beginning to establish themselves in the national team.
The decision to expose them to those conditions was therefore not simply about giving them minutes.
It was also intended to help them understand the intensity and difficulties associated with international football in Africa.
Senegal’s coaching staff used the opening matches to provide that experience, with the younger members of the squad learning first-hand about the demands that come with playing away from home on the continent.
Koulibaly sees that process as one of the early lessons from Vieira’s time in charge.
The Senegal captain also addressed his own situation after being given less playing time during the opening matches.
Rather than expressing frustration, the experienced defender said he was taking the situation positively and remained happy to make himself available for his country.
“I’m taking it very, very well. You’re available for your country, you’re happy. We’ll see what choices I make in the future.”
